Xin Yan could say she hadn't felt this excited in a long time.
Anyone watching could tell just by the way her diamond-scaled tail wagged back and forth behind her, swaying her long brunette hair in a rhythm of barely contained anticipation.
Today was her chance.
She had bonded with a Tier 2 Diamond-Back Snapping Turtle, earned an A-Ranked Trait, and officially become a Tamer. But none of that had been enough for her parents.
Not yet.
She figured that once she cleared this initiation, with flying colors, maybe then they'd finally look at her with something other than disappointment.
Or so she hoped.
After all, what more could they possibly want?
OUFF
A sharp shove sent her tumbling to the ground, her tail coiling instinctively as she caught herself.
She winced, blinking up—
Laughter.
A group of Judicators loomed above, snickering like hyenas.
One of them, a towering boy, easily 6'4", muscles stuffed beneath a sleeveless jacket, roguish face twisted with disdain—stepped forward and looked down on her like she was filth.
"Would you look at that, guys.." he sneered. "Squirtle's come to play."
His red eyes gleamed with arrogance and something else, disgust.
She knew that look. She'd seen it her whole life.
Bullies.
She'd dealt with their kind before. And while she was shy, soft-spoken, even—she refused to let anyone walk over her.
She was not a damsel in distress. And she never would be.
A slow smile crossed her face.
Her hand twitched ever so slightly.
"I'm sorry," she said sweetly, "but who are you all again?"
"Tch. None of your damn concern," the boy snapped. "Pets like you belong on the grou—"
WHIIIIISTLE.
A sharp sound cut through the air.
The boy's words died in his throat, replaced with a shriek of agony.
Every head turned.
His knees buckled as his body twisted awkwardly, hands shooting down to grab
His jewels.
They were being crushed by an invisible force.
The Judicators gasped. Some recoiled. One almost retched.
Xin Yan stood up slowly, dusting off her skirt, the grin never leaving her face.
She giggled softly. "Gravity powers are amazing."
"Damn," a voice said behind her, light with admiration. "I was about to help you, but looks like you've got things more than covered."
She turned, cautious.
A boy about her age stood nearby, hand extended. His eyes were calm, but sharp. Like he was always reading the room and a few moves ahead.
"The name's Aquarius." he said.
She hesitated. Worried it might be another trick, but the warmth in his smile made her relax.
She reached out and grasped his hand, letting him lift her easily.
"Xin Yan," she replied with a small bow. "A pleasure to meet you, Aquarius."
She glanced at the woman beside him, tall and fierce, with long icy-blue hair and piercing cyan eyes.
"And you as well—?"
The woman smirked. "Jagara."
Xin nodded politely. "It's a pleasure. You two must be heading to the initiation too?"
"Yeah," Aquarius said as the trio fell into step, walking toward the courtyard's center. "We were, until we saw what was going on. Not a fan of bullies. But what you did? That was badass. What power was that?"
"Oh, that was my gravity-based A-Ranked Trait." Xin smiled softly, the excitement returning to her voice. "I usually avoid conflict, but… sometimes, people like him push too far. I don't like being seen as weak."
Jagara stepped in then, her voice cool and blunt.
"People like that deserve worse than what you gave him. But you still showed restraint. I respect that."
She wasn't going to give Shia that kind of mercy when the girl disrespected her, so honestly, kudos to Xin.
'So bullying comes in the form of racism too, huh? How unoriginal.' Aquarius thought. 'At least the ones getting targeted are finally fighting back.'
"Yeah, I agree," he said aloud. "Do you know how the initiation will b—"
BOOM.
A deep voice rang out across the courtyard, silencing the murmurs and conversations.
"Tamers and Judicators, the initiation is about to commence."
Everyone turned toward the sound.
At the center stood an older man. Bald, with a long gray beard that reached his chest. He wore the simple black-and-gold uniform of a Zone 1 Instructor, yet the way he stood, straight-backed and solid, gave the sense of a warrior still very much in his prime.
"My name is Mr. Peckerson," he began. His voice was calm, but hard. "First, let me explain the instructions."
"You all will be grouped into teams of three. You will then enter a Threshold, ranked according to your team's overall strength. Complete the Threshold, survive, and you will be welcomed into this academy."
He paused, his gaze narrowing.
"Fail and you'll either walk away in shame..or not at all."
A few students paled.
"If you wish to quit, do so now," Mr. Peckerson continued. "If not, find your teammates, and proceed."
Beside him, a glowing portal flared open. White and pearly, shimmering with mystical energy.
Aquarius raised an eyebrow.
'This Team Kakashi ass mission.'
'At least we already have a team..probably.'
He turned to Xin.
"Hey, Xin..want to be on our team?" he asked with a casual smile.
Her eyes widened.
"Wait..are you serious? What if I slow you do-"
"Shush." Jagara cut her off with a raised hand, smirking. "If Master wants you on the team, then it means you're not weak."
"Master?" Xin blinked, confused.
Aquarius inwardly groaned.
'Jagara. No calling me Master in front of people. They're gonna take it the wrong way.'
'Pshh. I'm disappointed… but alright, Master. I guess 'baby' will do for now.' she teased in his mind.
He innerly smirked at that. 'Good Girl.' That got a stifled giggle from her.
"Let's head to the portal," he said. "No point in waiting around. Best to get it over with."
The three walked up to the portal. Most students were still scrambling for teammates. Somehow, they were first in line.
Mr. Peckerson looked them over with an unreadable expression.
"I sense strength in you three. Good luck."
Aquarius gave a respectful nod. "'Preciate it, Mr. Peck."
Jagara nodded. Xin smiled warmly.
And with that, the trio stepped into the portal
toward the unknown Threshold that awaited them.